air flight luggage question

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sprink268

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I am going to be flying one way to the East Coast and driving home. As I have nothing else to do, I thought I would make an adventure of it instead of driving straight home. Since I will be by myself, obviously I would like to be armed. My questions is, can I put a pistol in my CHECKED baggage so I will have one with me when I get to the car? I know I can't carry a weapon on the plane, But I would sure feel a lot safer knowing I will have one on the trip back...
 
Check your route on the way home for states taht reciprocate your CCW rights if you have one.

Some states are very unfriendly, and you do not want to be pulled over for some random reason and find yourself in hot water.
 
It depends where on the east coast. There are several states that will not recognize your permit and consequently, you will be in felony possession.
 
In theory FOPA covers you for the entire trip as long as the gun is in the trunk.
But then why bring it , if it's not available.
If you're flying into NY,NJ forget it.

AFS
 
I've flown with guns quite often.

make sure to check the airline's web site but basically the gun needs to be in a locked hard case with a combo or key lock but only YOU canhave the key so don't get one of those TSA certified ones, I don't think they will qualify.


Other than that just be prepared for a really wierd look from the ticket counter person when you tell them you're checking a firearm.
 
Thank you, all. I totally understand the implications of carrying on the way back, but am willing to take my chances. I think it's better than being rolled in some motel room in nowhere Florida or Kentucky (no offense!).

Is the oringinal case the gun came in acceptable, provided I put a combination lock around the handle?

Now, come to think of it, I was going to take my Kahr .380 and just buy some ammo down there. But, I may not be able to find .380 so maybe I better go with a 9mm or .40. I will have to look back at the TSA link about packing the ammo.
 
And what about worrying that it might be stolen out of my bag by the handlers?
 
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How I Go About It

Having traveled a number of times, here's how I go at it:

  1. Review http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm to understand TSA policies and procedures. Have a copy with you when you reach the airport.
  2. Put the unloaded weapon(s) in a lockable hard-sided case with locks only you have the keys/combination to open. TSA locks are not allowed.
  3. Steps that will make it easier to show that the weapon is unloaded - especially when x-rayed.
    • If the weapon is a:
      • semi-automatic
      • lock the slide open
      • put a cable tie through the barrel and out the breach to show that the chamber is empty
      • revolver, flip the cylinder out
    • Do not put the magazines in this locked case with the gun(s):
      • it invites questions about them being loaded
      • if the gun case is "liberated" from the checked bag by a Criminal Entrepreneur, the lack of magazines frustrates the "Liberator", since the weapon is now initially a single shot one
  4. Check the airline(s) you are flying on:
    • To determine if the ammo
      • MUST be in boxes (plastic reload boxes work)
      • can fly in loaded magazines
    • If loaded magazines are permitted, make sure the pouches fully cover the magazine top where the cartridges are visable.
    • The round(s) from the chamber(s)/cylinder(s) must be in a box, not loose
  5. Secure and protect magazines (separately from the weapon) and ammunition boxes from possible damage.
  6. Put the lockable hard-sided case with the weapon and the ammo/magazines into a cheap, non-descript bag - with clear labeling outside and inside - for checking in.
    • If possible, develop a way to attach - in a lockable way - the hard-sided case to the piece of luggage it has been placed into.
    • The labeling should be limited to:
      • Your Name
      • Your Cell Phone - if you have one, or your home phone if you do not
      • Your personal email address - if you have one
      • NO ADDRESSES, JOB TITLES, ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD BE INDICATED
  7. Other stuff - like shampoo, mouthwash, toothpaste, etc, could be in this checked bag also.
  8. Have the rules for the airline in hand when you check this non-descript bag at the airport.
  9. Make sure you have the keys/combinations to the lockable hard-sided case with you and you alone (Per Federal Regulations 49CFR § 1540.111 Carriage of weapons, explosives, and incendiaries by individuals - http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...v8&view=text&node=49:9.1.3.5.9.2.10.6&idno=49) at all times. You will have to open the lockable hard-side case:
    • to demonstrate to the airline that the weapon(s) are not loaded at check in (a signed form/tag indicating that will go in with the weapon(s))
    • if the TSA wants to see
  10. Have the serial number(s) and descriptions of your weapons on you, so if they "disappear" you can report the loss/theft immediately to the:
    • airline
    • FAA Regional Office
    • ATF Regional Office
Other things to consider:

  1. Check www.handgunlaw.us and/or http://www.usacarry.com/concealed_carry_permit_reciprocity_maps.html to determine:
    • If you can possess the weapon at all your stops
    • Where and how you can carry at all your stops
    • What are the deadly force rules in each state you are visiting
  2. Have a copy of the Don Young Transportation Letter on hand - http://www.anjrpc.org/DefendingYourRights/us letter.pdf. This covers changing modes of travel - car to plane to car - in a single journey.
 
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